Port Clinton Hotel & Restaurant

Excellent atmosphere and amazing home made French fries that are worth coming back for!

Being from Hamburg originally, I’ve been here several times over the years. When I’m back in the area and have a chance, I still like to go for one of their cheesesteaks or chicken cheesesteaks and their fresh cut fries. I look forward to them!
Unfortunately, the quality seems to be slipping, as the last couple of times the food wasn’t as good. But my most recent visit was downright awful (day after Christmas for lunch). The cheesesteaks are usually served overflowing with meat and cheese on really delicious bread. Not this time. After a particularly long wait for food, it came out on a sad looking, dry roll (falling apart it was so dry) and the burger my husband ordered was overcooked.
The long wait was supposedly because they were training a new cook. But people were waiting for close to 2 hours to get their food! The dining room is relatively small so this excuse just didn’t add up. To make matters worse, the waitress was so rude in dealing with the situation. When I asked for an update she said «I told you it was slow» and «everyone is waiting.» Hey, I just asked if there was any clue when we might get our food! None of the staff was doing anything to calm the frustrated customers, like making sure they had drinks refilled, or actually checking on the kitchen.
I know the owner wasn’t on duty this particular day, and I have a feeling if he were things would’ve been different.
I hope port Clinton gets its act back together because before now I would’ve recommended it to anyone coming through this area. I would call it a neighborhood gem! Right now, I wouldn’t say that until I see if this is their new normal or just a fluke. Until then, 2 stars is the best I can do.
Positives — quaint atmosphere, off street parking available, big menu!, cheesesteaks and fresh cut fries (usually), hidden gem, locally owned/​operated.

I was at Cigars International up the road and the bartender recommended this place. Glad I went. The bar was dimly lit and the Price is Right was on the old tube television. The bar area was a bit small but there was a dining room in the back. Don’t be fooled ny the décor, the food was fantastic. I asked the friendly bartender what they are known for and she recommended cheese steak and fries. The cheese steak was huge and very good. The French fry basket could have fed 3 people. Add a Lager draft and made for a nice lunch. Can’t wait to go back!

Went with friends on Sept 11, 2015. I read the reviews first, and I can say that I found none of the negatives — grumpy owner at the bar, rude waitress, long wait times. What we did receive was a friendly greeting. I had made reservations. We were promptly seated and our food orders were taken. Roast beef sandwich: Good, but I thought we were in the Blue Collar Comedy skit when it came to the gravy — ask for it on the side. California cheese steaks: Needed more cheese. Quesadilla: Good. Salsa a bit on the hot side. Could have had a bit more sour cream. French fries: Ordered one small serving which was enough for the four of us. Desserts: Many offerings; all were good. Overall, we had a pleasant time, but the 45-​minute drive for us made this a one-​time event. With the generous portion sizes, I’m sure they have a local clientele. Worth noting: Not handicapped friendly. An intermediate step is needed at the front door.
So, no negatives, but nothing to rave about. I’m searching for a great California cheese steak near Lebanon, PA and I have yet to find it.

The Port Clinton Hotel is located along the Appalachian Trail and a perfect destination to refuel after a day of hiking. I’ve eaten here several times; the burgers are terrific, portions are gigantic and the service is usually prompt and friendly. The only complaint is they will not join tables to accommodate a large group. If your group is more than six people you’ll be seated at separate tables. No exceptions apparently.: (

This has been a favorite for 5+ years, but after today’s visit, we will never return. I ordered the same thing as I always have, a chicken cheesesteak. Instead of chopped chicken, it was a roll with chicken breast strips covered in sauce. There was so much sauce and little to no cheese and the sauce was so sweet, it was inedible. My husband’s chef salad was a few pieces of lettuce covered in ham and a slice of cheese.
In addition, there were two young girls there, I assume helping their parent?. They stomped around the dining room so hard that the floor and walls were shaking, bumped into my chair repeatedly without an apology. We waited forever for our subpar food and didn’t see a waitress again until she came by to ask if we were done and give us boxes.
I’m so disappointed because it was always our favorite place to visit. We didn’t mind the 45 minute drive because the food and atmosphere was so worth it. Sad it’s gone downhill so badly.

I have been here three times. My orders went Steak Sandwich, Chicken Cheesesteak, and Cheesesteak. I really need to try something else, but I love the darn cheesesteak. It has so much meat in it, and for the price. you can’t beat it. When every other place is cutting back and your reminded of the old Wendy’s commercials «Where’s the beef?» That’s not how you feel after being here. The reason for 3 Stars falls on two things atmosphere and service. Waitstaff just seems pissed off. Next time I go in, I plan on asking what the deal is.

My family and I have eaten at Port Clinton so many times we have lost track. It was a treat to drive out to cabelas and then have a bite to eat here but after tonight I do not think we will be back. My husband and I have learned that to be in and out faster than sitting in the dining room, you grab a seat at the bar. Tonight we did the same. It took roughly 10 minutes until we were even asked about ordering a drink. Drinks were served and they were fine, we asked for menus and took a minute to decide on what we were going to order but after 30 minutes of not even being acknowledged we asked for our bill and left. The bartender was pitiful, she didn’t pay attention to anyone and kept her nose down figuring out checks. I would also wish a busy place like this would have a POS system or something to expedite the servers and checkout time. The owner stood right there and was oblivious to anything going on. If I was the owner and saw the poor service guests were receiving would at least acknowledge them assure them that it would be a minute. I feel so bad writing this horrible review but, I hope they see it and make a change.

Been here twice. The food is good and they have a pretty big menu. Portions are large as well. Both times the service has been a little off. They don’t take credit cards, but there is an ATM in the bar. I think it’s cool that they’re welcoming of the travelers coming off the trails.

I would consider this place «middle of the road.» Had some really good warm homemade spinach dip and then the cheeseburger sub special. Burger was huge, a little too big for my liking but good taste. Fresh cut french fries were delicious. Prices seemed a bit high for what they are actually serving. Our waitress was pretty rude with interuptions and that got annoying pretty fast. Also, I was a little surprised that at the end of our meal the waitress gave us her write up and said we had to go to the bar to pay… well lets just say that the bartender was in no hurry to take care of the diners’ checks… so «middle of the road» might be putting it nicely… but the spinach dip was yummy enough to get that kind of status. Oh… lastly, the place kind of feels like it is ready to cave in (structure wise). I do not forsee us going back there any time soon.

It’s a cool little place, but just average maybe even a little below. The food was ok. Burgers were a little dry, but really big. The portions were huge in general. I was thrilled about the service. The waitress was a little rude. She seemed like she had too many tables to take care of everyone. That was annoying, but nothing to get mad over. I’m not going to be in a hurry to go back there again.

My previous, and 100% true review got deleted, so I will paraphrase and re-​write it.
I went here about 3 years ago. The owner farted on my sister as he passed our table. The food was terrible. The price was too high.
Bottom line: avoid this place… unless you like food that tastes worse than the smell of a fart… then by all means, this place is for you!

I have been to Port Clinton several times. It is so interesting reading the reviews of people that have been there. I have a problem with people who visit once and then say they will never return. In order to give a place a shot, one should be open to a return visit unless the food made you sick or the place was infested with rodents or insects or the place was unclean. PCH is none of these.
I have had just about everything on the menu and frankly the portion size is large to huge and the prices fit the bill. PCH FFs are available in portion size L or S. The L is $ 5.95. would you expect a small portion? Even McDs charges over $ 2 for their L and it is about ¹⁄₆ the portion size of the PCH. Then there is the fresh vs. frozen aspect I won’t get into.
The steak sandwiches are served with a fork because of their overflowing contents. (BTW Jared F. how many places do you know that give you chips when you order fries, Duh!)

Poor, Cold Food/​Nasty Service
Zero stars should be an option!
Our food was cold, and didn’t taste good.
We were waited on by «Jack» the owner, a 65 to 70 year old «grumpy» man. We learned from a guy sitting next to us. Who further went on to report that he’s miserable tonight.
«Jack» greeted us with what looked like a permanent frown on his face. I don’t know if he’s always like this or maybe he was just having a bad night.
He got very ticked off when my girl told him her food didn’t taste good, and was not hot. He made her feel like she was out of her mind for dare saying that to an experienced restaurant owner like him.
Not one to make trouble, she just sat there looking pretty, and didn’t eat it at all. He never offered another item, and then asked her if she was finished, and threw it away in an angry manor.
My wings were Okay. This guy was not friendly at all, and it made regret ever stopping at all.
There are lots of places to eat in that area. Why waste our hard earned money on a place where we’re not appreciated, or welcome?
Just our two cents.

Haven’t been here in a few years so my fiancé and I stopped in Saturday for lunch.
A buffalo chicken cheese steak, a regular cheese steak and a large order of fries.
The order of fries was enough for four people and priced at $ 5.25. I feel like the staff should warn you if its a table for two and you order a large… we could’ve saved $ 2 and got a smaller order.
The steak sandwiches were good. No complaints. $ 8+ for a cheese steak that doesn’t even come with chips seems a little steep though they are a good size.
Overall it was ok. I’m not craving to go back nor would I go far out of my way to.

Too bad you can’t give zero! This was the worst steak sandwich in history. Bad roll, awful sauce, terrible meat. The only thing the was passable was the water, that’s not saying much.

I’ve been to the Port Clinton Hotel 3 times now. I go back for the food, which is delicious, and the portions are large. I might add that the one time I ordered a drink from the bar it was great. Not the usual watered down soda with a splash of liquor.
But the service… This must be a family owned place hiring family because no self-​respecting staff would dream that they could keep thier job while providing this abysmal level of service. Today was typical. Arrived at early dinner time and the place was mostly empty. After 10 minutes (I will be charitable and say 10, it may have been 15) the waitress semi-​paused by the table to ask what we wanted to drink. I wsan’t given time to say that we’d like to order at the same time (she must have learned from the earlier reviewer). Drinks that would never be refilled arrived and we ordered. No complaints about food prep time, it was reasonable, and it arrived hot and delicious.
We were seated at the table that she had to pass each time she went to the bar. A couple minutes after serving our food she asked if it was ok, and that was it. She never checked our drinks. We finished our meal and pushed our plates back and waited another (charitable) 10 minutes, finally snaggged her as she went to the bar and asked for the check.
You have to go to the bar to pay your check, and when I did, I saw that she had been right there, not three feet away, the whole time. Leaning against the bar chatting with the other inattentive staff.
I have read the other reviews here, and it seems like my experience was not unique. It was certainly consistent with the service I have had on my other visits.
If you want large portions of delicious food and nice stiff drinks, and you’ve got all the time in the world, this is your place. If you’d like to be treated well and feel like the staff is glad you were there, Red Robin is just 2 or 3 miles down the road to the south.

We stopped here after the tour guide at the Yuengling factory suggested it and glad we did! Only one server and it was a bit slow but I did notice several other people from the tour and I’m sure that’s the reason. They probably don’t have that big of a lunch rush. Nice menu selection at lunch plus a couple of specials. Based on the size of the portions we saw coming out of the kitchen, we decided to split everything and that was very smart. Ordered a bowl of lobster bisque=excellent. Cheese steak with sauce=excellent. Fries=excellent. Everything was hot and tasted fresh. Just wish the server had been able to get back to us, I would of loved to have tried some of the cajun seasoning on the fries.
Didn’t have a problem with the restrooms like I noticed some of the previous reviewers did. Found the ladies room to be clean and easy access. Husband went to men’s room and had no complaints either.

We ate here during Thanksgiving weekend of 2010 on a Friday and found the service to be quick, the food of good quality and huge portions. We ordered the recommended steak sandwiches, the meat was lean and not too greasy, the fries actually tasted like potatoes, the onion rings were light and flaky, overall it was a very pleasant experience with prompt service. If my peasant experience is typical then I recommend a visit.

Stopped here for an early dinner… surprisingly popular place (would never expect this amount of people in the place at 4pm).
Bar area is «L» shaped with many stopping in for some suds (which includes hikers off of the Appalachian Trail close by… they’ll also let them use a shower for 5 bucks… when was the last restaurant you were in that offered that?).
Dining area is decorated with the history of Port Clinton… which if you are wondering why it is called a «Port» it was because coal mines used to bring their coal here and the coal would be shipped out on canal, etc… but you don’t need the history lesson, you probably want to know how the food is.
It was pretty good… typical pub style offerings (actually…a pretty nice sized menu) with some dinners in there as well. Portions are indeed large… and I believe made to order (as the wait time for a chicken wrap, turkey sandwich, cheese steak and some pasta for the kids took about 30 minutes). The quality wasn’t bad. everyone did indeed enjoy their meal and had some to take home… but the socks are on my feet (they didn’t get knocked off) and little things like the fact that steak sandwiches REALLY shouldn’t take that long are part of the reason that I feel that way. If I have to wait 30 min… it really should be more «earth moving».
Service was very good… hustling and friendly staff… unless it ws food… we didn’t wait for any other request (which sounds stupid as I write it actually).
The place is certainly worthy of a stop… but bring your cell to catch up on texts or plan a nice deep conversation as it may take a bit. I was between 2 and 3 stars… I’ll give 3 hoping the next time I go, the service gets a bit more snappy.
****** NOTE: be sure to head to the old time peanut shop /​candy store right across the street… it is an old time shop with some more modern offerings… but it is one of a few places I’ve seen that still roasts their own peanuts… all at pretty reasonable costs for candy and peanuts too.